Non-linear structural dynamics characterization using a scanning laser vibrometer

This paper presents the use of a scanning laser vibrometer and a signal decomposition method to characterize non-linear dynamics of highly flexible structures. A Polytec PI PSV-200 scanning laser vibrometer is used to measure transverse velocities of points on a structure subjected to a harmonic excitation. Velocity profiles at different times are constructed using the measured velocities, and then each velocity profile is decomposed using the first four linear mode shapes and a least-squares curve-fitting method. From the variations of the obtained modal velocities with time we search for possible non-linear phenomena. A cantilevered titanium alloy beam subjected to harmonic base-excitations around the second, third, and fourth natural frequencies are examined in detail. Influences of the fixture mass, gravity, mass centers of mode shapes, and non-linearities are evaluated. Geometrically exact equations governing the planar, harmonic large-amplitude vibrations of beams are solved for operational deflection shapes using the multiple shooting method. Experimental results show the existence of 1:3 and 1:2:3 external and internal resonances, energy transfer from high-frequency modes to the first mode, and amplitude- and phase-modulation among several modes. Moreover, the existence of non-linear normal modes is found to be questionable.